When a nice guy from ViSalus asked if I’d be interested in creating a recipe using their nutritional shake mix I said “only if I can use it for donuts.”

Okay, actually I just said yes, please. Then I set out to make some vitamin loaded, protein packed donuts. Because I can, that’s why.

The minute I opened up the bag of shake mix, I knew I was in luck. It smells just like cake mix, y’all. It’s low fat, low sodium, full of vitamins, and packed with protein. But, let’s be honest, the cake mix factor is the best part.

I loaded my donuts up with fresh raspberries and topped them with a simple chocolate frosting. They are outta this world good. My kids gobbled them right down and I love the fact that they are full of good stuff that will keep them feeling full as well as giving them a nutritional boost.

Of course, they’d make a pretty delicious treat if you’re dieting and just need a day off without going too overboard. I mean, they’re donuts, but they aren’t fried! That’s a win, right, dieters? Regular protein powder should work as well if you already have some hanging around, though I haven’t tested it myself.

Directions:

To make the donuts: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a donut pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, shake mix, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla and oil. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir with a wooden spoon until fully incorporated. Add the raspberries and stir. Don't worry too much about the berries breaking up as it just spreads them throughout the batter. Fill the donut pan and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.To make the frosting: Add the chocolate chips and milk to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on low for 30 seconds, stirring every 10 seconds, until melted. Spoon on top of the cooled donuts and spread evenly. Let set for 10 minutes to thicken up.

Notes: The shake mix in this recipe can be swapped for all-purpose flour. I've tested this using all flour, 3/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup shake mix, and with 1/2 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of shake mix. All versions are delicious and taste very similar. The only difference I could detect were textural. The more shake mix added, the chewier the donuts get. I have not tested with more than 1/2 cup of shake mix, but if you try it, please update us as to how it works out!

This post was sponsored by ViSalus. Buns In My Oven makes no health claims regarding their product.

Karrrrrrrrly. I love raspberries and chocolate together!! I just made a recipe for my book using the two. Seriously OBSESSED. I can’t get enough! And donuts. I haven’t made donuts in like a year! I have to change this. Protein powder – nice! I have to try that brand.

Haha I used to be exactly the same with donuts! Then I got a donut pan for my birthday and a book of donut recipes and the rest is history! Love these, raspberries and chocolate just work so well together!

These look delicious! I love chocolate and berries. The fresh raspberries inside your doughnuts are mouthwatering! I love the idea of baking with protein powder/shake mix. I have only used it in smoothies and pancakes. Time to expand my protein powder horizons. 🙂

Buying a donut pan was seriously one of the best purchases of my life. I love being able to make a “healthy” version – I’m so going to have to try adding this protein powder. That means they’re doubly healthy, right, so I can eat two?? 😉

If anyone would like a sample of the VI Shake mix, you can always email me at [email protected] put Sample in the subject line with your name and mailing address and I will get you out a sample. 🙂 Have a great day!